Hazelwood West High school placed on lockdown during police investigation

ST. LOUIS COUNTY (KSDK) - Hazelwood West High School was locked down Friday after police received a call from a mother saying her son was being chased and threatened by another student with a handgun.

Police say the victim told his mother he was near the school and told her he was running to the school and didn't know if he was being followed.

School officials and the police department stayed with the student while authorities investigated.

The school was placed on lockdown while the building was searched and cleared by police.

The student accused of chasing the victim with a handgun was located by police, but a weapon was not been found.

No charges have been filed.

The following information was sent to parents on Friday:
"Today, after 3 p.m., the Hazelwood Police Department recommended that we place both Hazelwood West High School and Armstrong Elementary School on lockdown for precautionary reasons. Hazelwood West High had already dismissed for the day, so the lockdown affected students in afterschool activities.

"The precautionary lockdown occurred because a WHS student had reported that he saw another student with a weapon. We cooperated with the Hazelwood Police Department in this investigation. According to the police department, the student in question was located and searched twice. NO weapon was located. The police department recommended we resume normal activities. No one was harmed.

"The safety of our students and staff is a priority and we appreciate the cooperation of the Hazelwood Police Department in this situation."